McIlroy: It doesn't matter who I have to beat for Masters glory

Many neutrals might like to see Rory McIlroy battling with Tiger Woods come Sunday, but the Northern Irishman is focused only on himself.

Ben Spratt

10 April, 2019 11:19 IST

Rory McIlroy is chasing an elusive Masters title at Augusta. - Getty Images

Ben Spratt

10 April, 2019 11:19 IST

Rory McIlroy will be focused on his own performances at the Masters this week and insists it does not matter who he is playing against as he chases a career Grand Slam.

The Masters is the only major McIlroy is yet to win as he returns to Augusta for an 11th time looking to become just the sixth man to win all of golf's four elite championships.

While plenty of attention will be paid to McIlroy's bid again this week, there is also understandable interest in Tiger Woods' performances as he looks for a first major triumph since 2008.

However, when asked if the prospect of going head to head with Woods on Sunday appealed to him, McIlroy passed off the idea that defeating the 14-time major champion would make his achievement any more special.

"I guess the cliche answer is that it would mean a lot to me, but it doesn't matter who it is," he told a news conference. "What other people do is none of my business.

"I have to look after myself and control what I do and that's all I really have to focus on."

McIlroy has previously spoken about how he does not feel any pressure to win at Augusta and, following along the same theme on Tuesday, he revealed that is an approach he is adopting at all tournaments.

The Northern Irishman has had seven consecutive top-10 finishes, winning The Players Championship, but says he has not been paying too much attention to results.

"It's been a wonderful start to the season," he explained. "The consistency levels have definitely been as good as they ever have been.

"I don't think I've ever started a season this well in terms of finishes. Even stats wise, looking at all my stats, they are right up there with some of the best years that I've had.

"I think, if anything, it's just [been about] focusing on the small things and not living and dying by results, not getting caught up in trying to play perfect golf.

"It's maybe a little more acceptance, a little bit of change in attitude, which I think has been one of the biggest keys to how I've played for the first few months of the year."

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